Summertime: A Great Time to Save on Braces and More

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Summertime is the perfect time to save on braces. And, a dental savings plan can save individuals and families a considerable amount of money on costly procedures — including braces.
(Photo: Business Wire)

Summertime is the perfect time to save on braces. And, a dental savings plan can save individuals and families a considerable amount of money on costly procedures — including braces.
(Photo: Business Wire)

PLANTATION, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--While dental work may not be the first thing that comes to mind when
thinking about summer activities, now is the perfect time to jumpstart a
perfect smile. And, there are many ways to save. A dental savings plan
can save individuals and families a considerable amount of money on
costly procedures — including braces.

“Thankfully, there are ways to soften the financial bite of braces,”
said Bill Chase, Vice President of Marketing for DentalPlans.com.
“Among the options that families can explore is dental insurance that
includes a specific benefit for orthodontics, financing through their
dentist, or dental savings plans.”

Braces, on average, cost $5,000, according to the Journal of Clinical
Orthodontics. The price goes up for braces made of clear materials,
treatment for complex oral issues, and by location — many can expect to
pay more in bigger cities.

“We all know braces can be extremely expensive and that the experience
can be nerve-wracking, so I was dreading our orthodontist visit. As
expected, I was quoted upwards of $6,000 alone for my daughters’ full
mouth of braces,” said Margaret Keen, Senior Director of Network
Development for DentalPlans.com. “However, with the discounts from my
dental savings plan, we saved 35% — that’s more than $2,000 in savings!”

Dental savings plan members can enjoy similar savings, with discounts
varying by provider and geographical area. For those who do not have
employee-provided dental insurance, a dental savings plan, also called a
dental discount plan, is often the best way to obtain quality dental
care at affordable prices. Dental savings plans do not have an annual
spending limit and plan members enjoy reduced rates on dental care at a
nationwide network of dentists.

Unlike dental insurance, dental savings plans, typically provide savings
of 10%-60% on a wide variety of dental treatments, from orthodontics for
kids and adults, to root canals, crowns, bridges, dental implants, and
preventive care. And since members can use their plan to save at the
dentist as often as they wish, there is no need to ration family dental
care or delay treatment to keep costs below insurance’s annual spending
limit.

Dental insurance, on the other hand, typically has an annual maximum
spending limit of $1,200-$1,500. Insurance with a separate one-time only
benefit for braces may increase coverage by $500 — so at best that is
$2,000 of coverage, leaving a minimum of $3,000 to be paid out of
pocket. Plus, there is likely to be a deductible to meet, along with
aftercare that usually includes custom-made dental retainers.

Why the summer?

Getting braces at the beginning of summer can provide a low-stress
adjustment period that many kids will appreciate. Plus, the cool, soft
foods of summer are ideal for soothing the irritation that can occur
when braces are first installed. And by the time school is in session
again, the initial period of adjustment to wearing braces will have
passed and the child’s comfort and confidence levels will be higher.

Starting treatment in the summer may also make it easier to budget for
braces, with no back-to-school or holiday expenses to fret about. But
unfortunately, orthodontic treatment is undeniably expensive no matter
what the season.

Summertime — and dental discount plans — are great reasons to smile.
Find out more about the advantages of dental discount plans at www.dentalplans.com.

About DentalPlans.com

DentalPlans.com, founded in 1999, is a leading dental and health savings
marketplace in the U.S., helping more than a million people to
affordably access quality healthcare services. Our mission is to empower
consumers with the tools, information, and services that they need to
live happier, healthier lives. www.dentalplans.com.